Racing & Sports expert selections.
RACE 1 - MISHANI SUNSET (5) has been racing in the city and there was merit in the last appearance when midfield and beaten 4L over 1200m at Doomben. Among the top chances in what looks a much more suitable race. SIMPLY TINA (4) is a filly by Exceedance out of Seismic Warning and was a $32,500 yearling purchase on debut for the Manzelmann yard. Follow any market moves. ROCKET POWER (6) finished a fair way from the winner when fourth on debut but is capable of showing improvement. MISHANI STYLE (7) switches yards and will enjoy dropping from city grade.
RACE 2 - MIRROR ILLUSION (5) drifted well back before winding up strongly to score an easy 3.5-length win over 1500m at this track last time out. Deserved that after a string of placings and has a commendable record at this trip. Big chance to go back-to-back. GULF OF LION (4) made some ground first up and steps up to a distance where he has won two of three attempts. Races well second up so can improve. REALEZA (2) is nearing a win after back-to-back seconds, beaten half a length into second over 1609m at Townsville last time. VIENNA RAIN (3) is close to another win off back-to-back seconds.
RACE 3 - HE CAN JAJA (1) made an encouraging debut last time out, working home and finishing one length from the winner in second over 950m at this track. Open to improvement and the longer trip should suit so can get off the mark this time. JUST SMILE (5) ran well on debut last start, showing early pace and boxing on to finish behind He Can Jaja when third. Likely improver so she shouldn't be a maiden for long. MISHANI CRUISE (2) is close to breaking through after a fourth successive placing last time out, running on for second over 1180m at Home Hill. MISHANI EAGLE (6) is another who has put together a string of placings so deserves respect.
RACE 4 - DESERT COWBOY (1) resumes after tackling good races last time in and usually performs well when fresh. Owns good statistics at the venue and the distance and has found the right race for a winning return. BOLD TYPE (3) has been in the placings in four of his last five outings, finishing third last start over 1400m at this track. Back in trip but has a good record at this journey, including five wins. Must be respected. LOUD NOISE (4) sat on the pace and stuck on well to score by one length at today's track and trip last start. Suitably placed so anticipating another big run. CARESSING RUPERT (5) has a win and a placing from two previous second-up attempts so expect improvement.
RACE 5 - Former Victorian VIGNERON (1) is resuming after four months and having his first run in this region since joining the Roy Chillemi yard. Placed two back over 1000m at Bendigo when in the Maher/Eustace stable and that looks good form for this. Well-placed and can make an immediate impact. OUT OF SIGHT (2) has led and fought on to finish runner-up at her last two starts, beaten just a nose over 1000m at Home Hill last time. Close to a win. YANIT (6) was in the market and finished midfield on debut this track and trip. She is open to improvement. WAIT'N'SEE (3) chased well when resuming over 1000m at Atherton and was only beaten 0.7 lengths into fourth. Likely improver with top-three prospects.
RACE 6 - SOUTHERN FRONT (4) is a former Victorian who is having his first run in this region for the Maria Potiris barn. Hasn't raced since finishing seventh at Pakenham Synthetic three-and-a-half months ago but is proven fresh and races well at this distance. Leading prospect. ARTIE'S LAD (5) lines up for the first time since September but races well fresh and has good records at the track and the trip. Progressive so expect a strong return. NEBARAZ (2) has been close to the placings in both runs since a spell, last time beaten 1.3 lengths when fourth over 950m at this track. Building in fitness so can feature in the finish. SNAP CHAT (3) is aided by the inside draw and deserves respect off a string of placings.
RACE 7 - COSMIC LEGEND (3) missed narrowly fresh then was too good for a maiden field last start over 1300m at Townsville, scoring by a head. Lacey Morrison was in the saddle on that occasion and retains the ride. Capable of taking the next step. IMPARDOO (7) hasn't been too far away of late, last time beaten 1.5 lengths at this track and trip. Going well so can be competitive again. MARANZANO (4) continued a run of top-four finishes when beaten 1.1 lengths over 1250m at this track last time. Can play a role again. STORMY LEGEND (8) improved last time at this track, finishing third and only 0.6 lengths from the winner. Races well third up so can progress further.
RACE 8 - LADY OF FORTUNE (6) looks close to a win, finishing in the placings at her last couple of runs including a third most recently in a higher-graded race at this track and trip. Draws wide but with even luck she could strike. GREEN ESSENCE (3) steps out for a new yard having done his recent racing on the Gold Coast Poly. Finds a suitable assignment so expecting him to make an impact. ROTHGURL (8) took a while to win her maiden but did it in style last start, scoring by 4.5L at this venue. Could go on with it now. PLUCKERCARN (7) hasn't been too far away of late and is drawn to get the favours.
